2001
Chevrolet Corvette Restoration Kit
Descriptions and Operations
Power Steering System Description and Operation
Power Steering Pump Description
The constant displacement vane type pump provides hydraulic pressure and flow for the steering system.
The pump
is
belt driven by the power steering pump pulley and crankshaft pulley. The opening at the rear
of
the pump housing contains:
•
The pump ring
•
The pressure plate
•
The thrust plate
•
The rotor
•
The vanes
•
The end plate
A small opening on the side
of
the housing contains the pressure line fitting. A pressure relief valve inside
the
flow control valve limits the pump pressure.
Power Steering Gear Description
The Magnasteer® system
is
a speed-dependent power steering system. The system provides power
assist at varying
levels depending on need. A bi-directional magnetic rotary actuator
in
the steering gear
adjusts the amount
of
torque (driver effort) necessary
in
order to turn the steering wheel. This module
varies the torque by adjusting the current flow through the actuator. The amount
of
adjustment
is
directly
related
to vehicle speed. The module receives speed-related input signals from the vehicle speed sensor.
The major
internal components
of
the steering gear are:
• The power steering gear pinion and valve shaft assembly
•
The steering rack and pinion assembly
•
The steering linkage tie rod assemblies (inner and outer tie rods)
The steering gear rack and pinion
assembly
is
supported at its ends
in
the steering gear housing and
sealed to prevent both external and internal leakage across the piston. The pinion and valve assembly
intersects and meshes directly with the teeth
of
the rack and pinion assembly. Movement
of
the steering
wheel
is
transferred through the pinion to the teeth on the rack and pinion assembly.
The movement
of
the steering gear assembly
is
aided by hydraulic pressure and fluid flow supplied by the
power steering pump
assembly. Pressurized fluid
is
directed by the steering gear valve to the rack and
piston
assembly through external lines. When the steering wheel
is
turned to the right, the steering gear
valve
is
opened and routes pressurized fluid to the left side
of
the piston, while allowing fluid to escape
from the right side and return
to
the valve area. The pressure
of
the fluid
is
converted to a mechanical
force applied to the piston and the difference
in
force across the piston causes the rack to move to the
right. The opposite occurs when the steering
wheel
is
turned to the left.
Manual
steering
is
maintained
in
the event
of
power steering pump or accessory drive belt failure. Under
these conditions the steering effort
will be increased.
Variable Effort Steering Description
The variable assist magnetic steering system (Magna Steer) varies the driver effort required to steer the
vehicle as speed changes. At
low speeds, the system requires minimum steering effort for easy turning
and parking maneuvers. Steering effort
is
increased at higher speeds
in
order to provide the driver with
firmer steering (road
feel) and directional stability. The EBCM controls a bi-directional magnetic rotary
solenoid, The solenoid
is
located
in
the steering gear. The EBCM varies the steering assist by adjusting
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